I am running 4/0,4/0,2/0 USE wire to my new 200 amp service in my enclosed pole building. Can part of the wire be in the schedule 40 2" conduit and part of it directly buried as log as I use a bushing and at the ends of the conduit and bury that part in sand? The inspector said I can do it where the wire comes out of the conduit which has already been buried but I did not clarify that I would be coming out of a piece of conduit, leaving a 3 or 4 foot space and going back into another 50 feet of conduit. I would like to do this because it is a bear trying to fish wire through 2" conduit and glue it all together when both ends are fixed in place. Having a 3 or 4 foot space at one end makes the project more doable.

Code05

10-16-2011 02:17 AM

If I am reading this correctly, yes. Why the conduit in the middle between structures/buildings for USE? Only required where it is exposed.

stevo1213

10-16-2011 12:18 PM

I dropped the 2" conduit in the same ditch as the one which provides the wire from the transformer to the house when I had it built 13 years ago. I had the excavator also dig the trench a little toward where the shop would one day be. I put a cap on the end marked it and it was buried for later use. The other end connects to the 400 amp meter base. This was done to avoid tearing up the yard again. The part where I wanted to leave the wire exposed 3 feet is at the beginning of the trench where the conduit end was dug out in the yard. Since it was put in with the utility cable, it is also 3feet deep at that point. I hope this makes sense.

Speedy Petey

10-16-2011 12:22 PM

IMO you'd be crazy to do this. Just complete the conduit run.

Pulling wire into a complete conduit run is standard practice, it is NOT always a bear. If it is then something is probably wrong.

Code05

10-16-2011 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey
(Post 749794)

IMO you'd be crazy to do this. Just complete the conduit run.

Pulling wire into a complete conduit run is standard practice, it is NOT always a bear. If it is then something is probably wrong.

Agreed. But is the install legal? Seems to be.

jimmy21

10-16-2011 10:33 PM

39 Attachment(s)

i would absolutly never do what he is talking about. You basicly end up with a coduit run that is busted in the middle. Just put a little bit more effort in and do it right

PS. Wire gets pulled in AFTER the conduit run is 100% complete. You don't pull in wire as you go

Code05

10-17-2011 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmy21
(Post 750206)

i would absolutly never do what he is talking about. You basicly end up with a coduit run that is busted in the middle. Just put a little bit more effort in and do it right

PS. Wire gets pulled in AFTER the conduit run is 100% complete. You don't pull in wire as you go

Most of wouldn't, but it it legal. It is not a complete run.

stevo1213

10-17-2011 09:58 AM

I asked the question for inspection purposes. Pulling 4/0, 4/0, 2/0 through 180 feet of conduit with two 90's is more easily said than done especially when doing it mostly by yourself. The main purpose of the conduit is for protection purposes only. I don't ever plan on pulling anything else through it.
Thanks for the help.

rrolleston

10-17-2011 06:47 PM

I would also go with all schedule 80 conduit the whole way. A really hefty rope and some wire lube and you should be able to get it through. You could also use a ratcheting cable winch thing. I have seen large runs like this done with heavy rope and a tractor or truck.

Speedy Petey

10-17-2011 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrolleston
(Post 750778)

A really hefty rope and some wire lube and you should be able to get it through. You could also use a ratcheting cable winch thing. I have seen large runs like this done with heavy rope and a tractor or truck.

Who are you watching do this???
180' with two 90's is child's play for 2 men, even without pulling lube. :thumbsup:

Try 500' and 3+ 90's. THAT needs some outside help.

jimmy21

10-17-2011 09:06 PM

39 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speedy Petey
(Post 750811)

Who are you watching do this???
180' with two 90's is child's play for 2 men, even without pulling lube. :thumbsup: